June Census

DEFRA has released its final estimates of livestock numbers in England as at 1^st June 2016.  Both the cattle and pig breeding herds and the the sheep breeding flock have shown a marginal increase compared to 2015.  Although the dairy breeding herd has experienced a 0.5% fall in numbers, this has been offset by a 1.2% increase in the beef herd.  The pig breeding herd has seen a 2% increase, although gilts intended for first time breeding have fallen by 3.7%, which tends to indicate a contraction in the herd going forwards.  The sheep breeding flock has seen a marginal increase, by 0.8%, although numbers of ewes intended forslaughter have risen by 8.7%, but these could just be being replaced by younger, more productive sheep as the number of ewes intended for first time breeding have increased by 3.5%.  Significantly for lambs available for slaughter, numbers under one year have increased by 1%, although this is still 1.8% less than in 2014.  The UK figures will be available on 13^th October and a fuller analysis will be given then.  The full statistical notice for England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/552759/structure-june16-final-eng-15sep16.pdf